About Me & My Interior Design Journey
- sarah burrows
- Feb 3
- 3 min read
Welcome to my first blog post for my new Interior Design business! I’m Sarah, and in 2025, I took the leap and officially started my Interior Design career in Tunbridge Wells. Over the past few months, I’ve been studying with the talented Jo Chrobak through her Interior Design Mentorship program, which has given me the knowledge, skills, and confidence to launch my business.
But my journey into the world of design began many years ago, alongside my husband, John. We’ve spent the past decade renovating properties, transforming houses into homes, and experiencing every aspect of property ownership—from DIY projects to full-scale renovations. Our love for renovating began when we were living in London in our early 20s. At the time, we couldn’t afford to buy in the areas we loved, so we moved to Streatham and bought a Victorian maisonette. We spent months renovating it and quickly discovered our passion for creating beautiful, functional spaces.
This experience led us to our next big move: Shoreditch. We bought a 500-square-foot flat in a historic building and completed a full renovation. During this time, we got married in Cambridge and welcomed our first son, Hayden, in Hackney.
But life had bigger plans for us, and not long after, we took the exciting opportunity to move to New York City. While we initially considered purchasing a brownstone, timing and finances didn’t align, so we decided to rent out our Shoreditch property and spent our time exploring the US. It was in NYC that we welcomed our second son, who proudly claims New York as his home, even though he lived there for only six months!
After two years in New York, we embarked on an unforgettable road trip across the US, heading west towards Vancouver. We spent six months traveling, exploring new places, and soaking in the diverse design influences from different regions.
In Vancouver, we took a bold step and opened an online retail store, curating high-end furniture sourced from talented designers across North America. We spent two years working closely with these designers, showcasing their work to a wider audience. However, after a time, financial constraints led us to make the difficult decision to return to the UK. Once back in London, we purchased our third property in Colliers Wood—a charming 3-bedroom semi-detached Victorian house. We renovated the space, extending into the loft to create additional bedrooms, transforming it into a valuable investment property. It was also the place where we grew our family, welcoming our two daughters, Delilah and Naomi.
Despite the space we’d created, we quickly outgrew the house, and during the pandemic, we made the decision to leave London for Tunbridge Wells. We bought a 1960s 5-bedroom house that needed a complete overhaul. This project has been my latest renovation journey, and it’s the one that truly ignited my passion for Interior Design.
My Renovation Portfolio:
• Streatham – 3-Bedroom Victorian Maisonette
• Shoreditch – 2-Bedroom Historic Apartment
• Colliers Wood – 3-Bedroom Semi-Detached Victorian Property
• Tunbridge Wells – 1960s 5-Bedroom Full House Renovation
Through each of these projects, my design expertise and love for creating beautiful, functional spaces have grown. My experiences, both in design and personal life, have shaped my unique approach to Interior Design. I’m passionate about creating spaces that reflect your personality and needs while also ensuring they’re functional and timeless.
Now, I’m excited to bring all of this knowledge and experience to you, offering tailored Interior Design services that help make your vision a reality.
Thank you for joining me on this exciting new chapter!
A Glimpse Into My Interior Design Journey
Here are a few snapshots from my personal design journey—please keep in mind these are candid moments, not professional shots! :) These images capture the early stages of my renovations, the transformation of our homes, and the moments that inspired me along the way. It’s been such a rewarding experience, and I’m excited to share it with you!
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